Three Basic Types of Analytic Clinical Studies That May Be Done in Humans:

1. Cross-sectional (prevalence)

-Single examination.

              -Exposure to and disease present.

2. Cohort design (prospective or longitudinal)

               -Multiple exams over incremental time periods.         -

 -Clinical trials e.g. used to test anti-caries agents.

3. Case study (retrospective)

             -Because of individual biological variation and lack of controls, this does not constitute clinical research or a clinical trial. 

-Used less frequently e.g. caries vs. diet analysis.

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